What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Accidents

Jacksonville motorcycle accident attorneys can explain that motorcycle accidents often lead to more severe injuries due to the lack of protection that motorcyclists and passengers have when compared to the drivers and passengers of automobiles. Due to more extensive injuries being involved in motorcycle accidents, higher awards may be available in these cases.

Statute of Limitations

Florida has a strict statute of limitations pertaining to when you can bring forth a legal cause of action against the person or party that caused the motorcycle accident. You typically have four years to bring forth your complaint in a personal injury case. However, your Jacksonville motorcycle accident attorney can explain that you only have three years if you are suing city, county or state government.

Legal Theories

Your Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyer can explain that the majority of motorcycle accident claims are based on the legal theory of negligence. This type of cause of action is based on the legal concept that every driver has the legal duty to drive in a reasonably prudent manner. When a driver breaches this duty by running a stop sign, switching lanes without signalling into the path of a motorcycle rider, speeding or not following other traffic laws, this driver should be held financially liable for the damages that result. Passenger vehicles are responsible for approximately 75 percent of motorcycle accidents. If a motorcycle rider causes the accident, he or she should rightfully be held legally and financially responsible for the damages that result. Passengers on motorcycles who are injured can also choose to pursue a legal claim against the party that is responsible for the accident, be it the driver of the passenger vehicle or the motorcycle driver.
If you would like more information about motorcycle accidents, contact John Fagan by calling him at (904) 278-1000.

About John Fagan

John is a Jacksonville native who grew up on the First Coast. He graduated from Bishop Kenny High School in 1975 and went to college at Florida State University where he completed a 4-year program in 3 years. John graduated from the Florida State University College of Business in 1978 and went straight into Florida State University College of Law. While in law school, John earned a position on the prestigious Law Review Board serving as its Business Editor. As a law student, John studied in the Oxford program. He also interned with the Florida Legislature working in the Florida House of Representatives Criminal Justice Committee. John was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1981.
John began his legal career as a law school intern in the State Attorney's Office in Jacksonville in 1981. After his internship, legendary State Attorney Ed Austin hired John as a full-time Assistant State Attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit (Clay, Duval, and Nassau Counties). As a prosecutor, John tried jury and non-jury trial on charges ranging from DUI to Murder.
In 1983, John moved from the State Attorney's Office to begin his career in private practice. He has practiced law for 30 years on the First Coast. For the last 20 years, John and his family have made Clay County their home.
John limits his practice to personal injury and disability cases. While there are many fine attorneys in Clay County, John is one of only a few Clay County attorneys who limit their practice to personal injury and disability cases. John takes pride in helping clients resolve injury claims in ways that avoid the stress, uncertainty, and the expense of unnecessary litigation.
Professional Activities
John is the past President of the Clay County Bar Association and has served on the Board of the Clay County Bar Association from 2009-2013. He is an active member of the Florida Bar, and the Federal Bar of the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida. He is also a member of the American Association of Justice, the Florida Association of Justice, the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives, and the National Organization of Veterans' Advocates.
Service to the Community
John is involved in the Clay County Community serving as a member and Director of the Rotary Club of Orange Park, of the Clay County Bar Association, and the Putnam County Bar Association.

Our Location

The information provided on this web site is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Every case is different and requires individual attention before such advice can be given. Neither the transmission nor receipt of general advice to or from our website will constitute an attorney-client relationship.